Over the years, GPIP has partnered with the Historical Society of Glastonbury on many projects
at the Welles-Shipman-Ward House on Main Street in South Glastonbury, which is managed by
the Society. To read about past shared collaborations: Legacy Projects-Historical Society
Partnership.
The Welles-Shipman-Ward House continues to be an important part of the Historical Society’s
mission to help educate visitors about Glastonbury history which includes a local history
program where the Glastonbury fifth graders visit the WSW every October as part of their
education. The house, colonial garden and grounds are part of their tour. GPIP also encourages
visitors who attend several public events including Militia Day in the Spring and Harvest Day in
September to participate in the planting and harvesting of the garden.
Revolutionary Colonial Faire and Muster:
Every Spring, the Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia sets up camp at the Welles-Shipman-Ward
House for an afternoon of live demonstrations including men at arms drilling and firing muskets
plus displays of historical weapons and militia life. The Historical Society also offers house tours,
weaving and spinning demonstrations, crafts, music, colonial games, storytelling and more at
this family-oriented event.
GPIP joins in by organizing the annual planting of the Colonial Garden with early-season
vegetables and hosting an information table featuring activities for all ages. A favorite highlight
is creating and naming the garden scarecrow with the help of children.
Harvest Time:
Each September, the Historical Society hosts this hands-on history event where visitors can
celebrate the harvest and experience life as it was for early colonists and Indigenous peoples.
Activities include house tours, Colonial and Native American games, storytelling, music, crafts,
and harvesting from the garden.
GPIP hosts an information table, answers questions about the garden, and invites guests –
especially children, to help with the harvest (many are delighted to discover that carrots and
potatoes grow underground!). Visitors can also create dried flower bouquets from blooms
grown on-site to take home.
Pay It Forward Food Drive:
GPIP partners with the Historical Society to support community members who may be
struggling with food insecurity – just as the Indigenous Peoples of this region once helped early
settlers sustain their provisions.
Held each October at the Museum on the Green, the event invites visitors to explore Native
American exhibits and hands-on artifacts, enjoy traditional music and storytelling. GPIP hosts an
information table where guests can learn about the Indigenous “Three Sisters” planting method
of corn, beans, and squash.
All food donations benefit the Glastonbury Food Pantry at the Riverfront Community Center.
